human behavior – The Human Evolution Blog

How Likely is Intelligent Life?

January 16, 2020

Two new books tackle the question of life and sentience and, together, they make a strong argument that neither may be as improbable as we thought. … More How Likely is Intelligent Life?

The Decline of Violence in Homo sapiens

September 3, 2019

Science is finally making real progress on the question of how our species achieved a mostly nonviolent social harmony. … More The Decline of Violence in Homo sapiens

Why Facial Symmetry Is So Attractive

May 9, 2019

Because it is seen as a proxy of health and good genes, facial symmetry is one of the few features that is universally attractive. … More Why Facial Symmetry Is So Attractive

Energy Drinks, Taurine, Caffeine, and Addiction: A Complicated Picture

April 15, 2019

In a recent episode of TWOH, we explore the complicated effects of taurine on the brain. … More Energy Drinks, Taurine, Caffeine, and Addiction: A Complicated Picture

Maladaptation in Evolutionary Psychology

March 29, 2019

A maladaptation is a feature of an organism that was once beneficial but no longer is, usually due to a change in the environment. When it comes to psychology, it’s often difficult to precisely dissect maladaptive behaviors. … More Maladaptation in Evolutionary Psychology

Does Trump Fit the Evolutionary Role of Narcissistic Sociopath?

December 7, 2018

Psychological profiles of Donald Trump are hampered by lack of personal access, but can we learn something from an evolutionary analysis? … More Does Trump Fit the Evolutionary Role of Narcissistic Sociopath?

The Beauty of Imperfection: Why I Wrote “Human Errors”

November 12, 2018

Our flaws show the limits of our biology and the way in which our past shapes our present. … More The Beauty of Imperfection: Why I Wrote “Human Errors”